DECISIONS were made during the full town council meeting on Wednesday, March 5, as to whether Holsworthy Town Council would fund a reception for the Twinning Association’s guests from Aunay-sur-Odon — who are set to arrive in May.

Some councillors were concerned about the timing and short notice of the proposal, suggesting it would be better to postpone any decisions until the next visit to Holsworthy in two years time.

Mayor Jon Hutchings said: “I have always been against giving money to the Twinning Association. But I thought it would be nice if, instead of giving money, the town council held a reception for when the French visitors come over to Holsworthy.

“My suggestion is that we hold an event where we offer them a drink and maybe a Devon pasty — after their 24-hour journey, or whatever it is, they will be in need of some refreshments.

“I’m not suggesting anything expensive or elaborate but just something to say ‘welcome’ and show our support.”

Deputy mayor Pat Smith raised her concerns over the timing of the proposal and its practicality. She said: “It is just another way of spending money and it should have come through finance and general purposes [(F&GP) committee].

“This may not be the best time to do this either. We already have the mayor choosing ceremony coming up; it would just be a lot of extra work to do.

“I suggest we put this back for this year and talk about it the next time visitors from France come over, in two years.”

The twinning association alternates their visits. One year the group visits Aunay-sur-Odon and the following year they host the French twinning group in Holsworthy. They are due to host the French group this year.

Addressing Cllr Smith’s concern over the decision having not passed through F&GP, town clerk Vanessa Saunders explained that the twinning association initially approached the town council for a donation only. She said: “They asked if they could have some money from us, we asked what for and when they got back to us with an answer we had already had the last F&GP meeting. They then said they wanted to hold a reception and that’s when we thought maybe we would be able to hold an event instead of just giving them money.”

The council was asked to express its views and many thought it would be a good idea but Cllr John Allen said he agreed with Cllr Smith ‘it would be a good idea to hold off until we have had more time to discuss it properly’.

Cllr Colin Punter said: “I think it would be better if we could be a little more final on budgets but a reception does sound like a good idea.”

Cllr Keith Musker said it was ‘a bit short notice’.

Discussions were then held on how to proceed. It was decided that a vote be taken to agree a formal council funded reception for the twinning association, the vote saw three for and six against.

Everyone was unanimous that the council will review the proposal again in two years’ time to see whether an event can be staged.